Soccer: Chestatee girls hold off Johnson (4/1)

OAKWOOD -- Forget the vacations, come spring break, members of the Chestatee girls soccer team may just want to sleep.

The Lady War Eagles played their fifth game in eight days on Tuesday, defeating Johnson 2-1 in Oakwood, as junior standout Megan Fligg scored both goals.

"It's like March Madness for us right now," Fligg said. "It's crazy. And because all of these games have been region games, it makes it that much more intense."

Chestatee (9-7, 6-2 Region 7-AAA) finds itself slammed thanks to inclement weather make-up dates crammed next to regularly scheduled games in a fast-closing season.

Yet despite the stress, the Lady War Eagles seem to be handling themselves just fine, going 4-1 in that stretch.

If Chestatee wants to reach the playoffs, however, the Lady Eagles will have to make it 5-1 when they take on West Hall in their final contest before spring break on Thursday.

"That one's huge," Fligg said. "If we win, we're in."

If Fligg continues the form she displayed early on Tuesday, the Lady War Eagles have to like their chances against the Lady Spartans.

Fligg notched the first goal against Johnson (7-8, 5-5) off a combination pass from Kelsey Neukum to Morgan Dooley, who set up Fligg for the finish.

Then, late in the first period, Lauren Ables sent a direct free kick over the Lady Knights' defensive line and Fligg ran on to the loose ball before ripping it past the keeper.

The Lady Knights made Chestatee fight to maintain its advantage, pulling within 2-1 10 minutes into the second half. Kayla Madsen halved the Lady Eagles lead with 30:40 remaining, beating a defender to a Johnson corner kick and heading home from six yards.

The Lady Knights continued to press as the half waned and fired wide on two clear scoring opportunities. But Chestatee's defense held firm and allowed the Lady War Eagles to hold on for the win.

"We did what we had to do to win," War Eagles coach Mark Dunn said. "The kids are tired right now. And thanks to all the games, we haven't practiced since early March. But the kids are sucking it up and playing hard."

Chestatee takes on West Hall at 5:30 p.m. Thursday in Oakwood.

Johnson plays host to Lakeview Academy at 5 p.m. Thursday.

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